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Find Dubrovnik Accommodation

You'll find a wide assortment of hotels from luxury to budget and plenty
of private accommodation. The greater Dubrovnik area can offer a resort experience, a beach experience or an urban experience at all budget levels.

About Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik was a city-state that once rivalled Venice in wealth and power. It reached its apogee during the 15th century and attracted the finest sculptors and architects to adorn the city center in a Renaissance style. Alas, the golden age ended with the earthquake of 1667 but the resilient city rebuilt, this time in a baroque style.

Dubrovnik gradually declined as a naval power but in the 20th century visitors flocked to the city making it the tourist highlight of former Yugoslavia. The bombing of Dubrovnik in 1991 attracted global attention as shells and mortars rained down on its lustrous streets.

The photo below was taken in 1996 while Dubrovnik was still undergoing postwar reconstruction. You can clearly see the older roof tiles in the lower left and the Jesuit Church in the center which was in the process of being rebuilt. The walls still bear obvious scars from mortar fire.

With help from the international community, the damage was largely repaired by the end of the decade. The photo below was taken in 2006. It's a different story!

Overtourism

The tsunami of tourists that wash into Dubrovnik's Old Town have created a sort of identity crisis for the ancient city, making Dubrovnik a poster child for the problem of overtourism. On the one hand it has brought prosperity to a place that is no longer at the crossroads of commerce and has few other sources of regular income.

On the other hand, the shops and restaurants of the Old Town are increasingly geared to international, not local tastes. In fact, most of the baroque buildings in the Old Town have been transformed from residences to rental properties or are left vacant most of the year until their wealthy owners arrive for a holiday. The full-time population has dropped precipitously from 5000 in 1990 to only 600 now. When the price of real estate in the Old Town skyrocketed in the mid-aughts, it made far more sense for residents to sell and move to a mansion outside town rather than trudge up stairs to a sunlight-challenged apartment. Charm and history can only take you so far!

But Dubrovnik citizens are far from ready to give up. Much of the overtourism problem stems from mega cruise ships that can discharge thousands of sightseers in a single day. Dubrovnik's mayor has agreed with cruise ship operators to stagger their arrivals which should help somewhat but I strongly advise you to consult the cruise ship schedules before planning your sightseeing..

Dubrovnik Culture

With a population of less than 43,000, it's a measure of Dubrovnik's devotion to culture that it can support its own symphony orchestra. Classical productions are regularly staged in the Marin Drzic theater and there are a wealth of art galleries showing contemporary works. There's a pride in local traditions that is easily apparent in Dubrovnik's regular local festivals and religious ceremonies. Women take pride in their appearance as well. No matter their age and even during the tough years following the war, Dubrovnik's women always dress with a ladylike emphasis on good grooming, well-coiffed hair and quality clothes. Food is also a proud part of Dubrovnik's heritage. Local fish and seafood, olive oil, wine, fruit and vegetables are a cherished part of Dubrovnik's dining experience. Locals demand the best ingredients and chefs are combining them in increasingly imaginative concoctions. (see best Dubrovnik restaurants).

things to Do

But Dubrovnik is more than a fascinating
Old Town with an ancient history. It's also a first class Adriatic resort. Stretching out from the
historical centre is a network of beaches
to laze away the day in the sun. Offshore, the crystal-clear sea
is littered with wooded islands that make easy day
trips. And the array of cafes, bars and clubs in and
around the Old Town insure that Dubrovnik
at night is never dull. So plunge in! Check out 22 fun and unusual things to do in Dubrovnik.

*New in 2019*

Price increase: Walking the Dubrovnik walls will now set you back 200Kn (€27) up from 150Kn last year.

Flights: For the first time in history there's a direct flight to Dubrovnik from the USA. American Airlines starts flights between Philadelphia and Dubrovnik June 7 that run until September 21. See more Croatia flights.

Hotels: The illustrious Hotel Bellevue has undergone a massive renovation. The 91 rooms and suites have a spectacular new design, centered on a nautical theme that evokes ships sailing on the nearby sea. The hotel is now open and ready for visitors. BOOK NOW

Crowd Management: In addition to the cameras and counters at every gate, there is now a new app that predicts the number of visitors on any given day and advises on the best times to visit. Give it a whirl at dubrovnik-visitors.hr/prediction

Red History Museum: This startlingly original new museum aims to recreate Communist Croatia under Marshal Tito--the good, the bad, the zany. As the website explains: What happens when you want to turn a mostly agricultural, rural and very religious country into a predominantly industrial, urban, and atheistic one?

The tourist offices are open long hours daily
in summer and provide a wealth of information. Look for the free
monthly booklet, Dubrovnik Riviera, which lists
all the goings on of Dubrovnik and the region, including museum
opening hours, special events, bus routes and excursion ideas.